FAQ about Diabetic Alert Dogs
Q. How long does it take to train a Diabetic Alert Dog?
A. It takes anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 years of age before they are fully trained.
Q. Can I train my current dog to be a Diabetic Alert Dog?
A. Most likely the answer to this question is no. We need a dog that has certain character traits that are needed to do this type of work. I would be more than happy to give a test to your current dog to see if he or she would be a match.
Q. What breeds are most suited to be a diabetic alert dog?
A. The most suitable breeds to be diabetic alert dogs are Labrador retrievers, and golden retrievers, but there are always exceptions. Both of these breeds typically seek out a strong bond with humans as well as use their noses to find things. Two things that are desirable in a diabetic alert dog.
Q. Is there a guarantee that the Diabetic Alert Dog will alert 100% of the time?
A. Diabetic Alert Dogs are not robots they are still prone to the same faults as humans, meaning if the dog is fatigued or sick it will make his job much more difficult. A Diabetic Alert Dog is not a replacement for medication or for testing and should never be you primary tool for monitoring your sugar.
Q. At what age will my Diabetic Alert Dog start alerting me?
A. Each Diabetic Alert Dog is different. In the first few months the alerting will be sporadic, but with diligent training and time you will see the alerting increase. Most Diabetic Alert Dogs are fully trained by three years of age.
Q. Where can I take my diabetic alert dog?
A. A diabetic alert dog has the same rights as any other service dog. According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) , businesses that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public.
http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm
Q: Can I have another dog in addition to my diabetic alert dog?
A: Many trainers will say no to this question. My answer is, it depends. It depends on the temperament of the dog who is not the diabetic alert dog. If they are a well balanced non aggressive dog who is exercised on a regular basis there should be no problem.
Q: Can I pet and snuggle my diabetic alert dog?
A: “You” are encouraged to do that. A diabetic alert dog needs to have a very strong bond with the person who has the diabetes.
Q: Does this mean that other people should not pet and snuggle my diabetic alert dog?
A: As a general rule I say that friends and family are fine, but the main person that the dog receives affection from should be you. As far as the average person on the street, I always say that the dog needs to learn how to ignore everyone else exept you. So strangers are not allowed to come up and give your diabetic alert dog love.
Q: Do you only train dogs on long island and NYC ?
A: No, if you are out of state I can train a diabetic alert dog for you. You must however come to long island to pick the dog up.
Q: Will my diabetic alert dog alert me at night?
A: All diabetic alert dogs are trained to alert at night as well as the day, the training for night starts once the dog is alerting 90% during the day. So if we choose the right dog and you follow up with his daily training there is no reason why the dog will not alert during the night.